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Legendary Eldridge Fox passes away November 22, 2002
Long time manager/owner and baritone of the legendary Kingsmen Quartet Eldridge Fox, passed away Thursday, November 21st, in Asheville, NC. Fox or 'Foxy' as he was commonly called was 66 year old. He has helped produce hundreds of groups with his association with Pinnacle Records and Horizon Records. Some of those groups include Gold City, The Greenes, HeavenBound, The Gospel Enforcers, The Primative Quartet and many more.
Funeral services for Eldridge Fox will be Monday, November 25, 11:00 am at the Ridgeway Baptist church in Candler NC. Visitation will be Sunday, November 24, from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm.Anders-Rice Funeral Home in Asheville will handle the funeral.
Gospel pioneer Sonny Simmons recovering November 20, 2002
Press Release) - Sonny Simmons, the owner and founder of Century II Promotions, Inc., is recovering from recent gallbladder surgery. Earlier this month, Simmons experienced several days of illness, but by Election Day, his condition had worsened to the point that he decided he needed to visit an emergency room. After medical examinations were completed, it was determined that Simmons needed gall bladder removal surgery. The surgery was scheduled for November 7, and Simmons was admitted into a Nashville hospital. The surgery was successful and he continues to recover. As a side note, while Simmons was hospitalized, he was honored with the Pioneer Award, an industry award presented by the Christian Country Music Association.
New booking and management company forms November 20, 2002
(Press Release) - Duane Garren announces the formation of a new booking and management company, THE SIGNATURE ARTIST AGENCY. The focus of this talent agency is to professionally promote the advancement of Southern Gospel Music as it connects artists with promoters and churches, while providing strong Christian public relations in the process of doing business. THE SIGNATURE ARTIST AGENCY is proud to announce exclusive booking agreements with three major groups on their roster. The Lesters, Melody Boys Quartet, and The Signature Quartet have all recently signed on as part of the Signature Artist family. For more information visit Signature Artist Agency's website at www.signaturebooking.com or phone Duane Garren at (417) 364-7400.
Hopes Call becomes mixed trio November 16, 2002
 (Press Release) - Hope's Call is pleased to announce the addition of Eddie Harrison to their ministry. Donna Beauvais shares, "Jeri VanEck,who had sung with our family for two years and remains my best friend had decided to come off the road to spend more timewith her husband and very busy teenage girls. I totally support that decision.With Jeri's exit we felt God was leading us to become a mixed trio and we are very blessed that Eddie has taken the position. He is a talented young man with a servant's heart. What a blessing!"
Paul, Donna's husband and manager of the group, states, "We are thrilled about thedirection God is taking Hope's Call. He has been so gracious to us since the beginning with the many opportunities to serve Him that He has provided, the Solid Gospel contest win, and most of all, the souls saved and lives changed by His strength. Now He is bringing us an exciting change that will add a new and different dimension to the ministry. Not to mention I appreciate thehelp on the road with the heavy equipment...LOL!"
Please keep the ministry of Hope's Callin your prayers. A new recording is in the works forearly February. In the meantime, this family ministry is as busy as ever and Eddie is doing a fine job of singing all oftheir current music.The ministry continues to expand nationally. They have recently been in Iowa, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois and they are excited about a first visit to Louisianain January with Frank Arnold Concert Promotions.
To learn more about Hope's Call and to welcome their newest member, log onto www.hopescall.com .
Gold City signs with Cathedral Records November 16, 2002
NASHVILLE, TN(Press Release) - Cathedral Records announced today the signing of an exclusive recording agreement with multi-award winning quartet Gold City. A six-time winner of the Singing News Fan Award for Group of the Year, Gold City is consistently recognized as one of the top quartets in Gospel music. With a style deeply rooted in traditional Southern Gospel, the group has enjoyed such hits as "Midnight Cry" and "There Rose A Lamb," with more recent hits including "Are You Ready" and "I Believe."
Tim Riley, owner of the group, sees great possibilities for the new relationship. "I know that both Gold City and Cathedral Records are committed to what we do. I'm thrilled to be a part of this team, and I'm anxious to move forward as we work together to spread the gospel."
Also ready to move forward is Todd Payne, President of Cathedral Records. "Working with Gold City is among the highlights of my career. I've known many of these men most of my life. I know their commitment to Christ off the stage. That's why professionally, our relationship will be successful. They're great singers and musicians, but they're even better people.
With a title to be announced in the coming weeks, the first project from Gold City on the Cathedral Records label is slated for release in early March of 2003. The group is already in the studio working on what they feel could be their strongest recording in recent years. According to Riley, part of this record's potential lies in the strength of its lyrics.
"We have a history of recording songs that say it just like it is. The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. We're not going to water it down or cover it up with flowery lyrics. We're going to be honest and open. This record is exactly that."
This up front approach to Gold City's message is a good fit for Cathedral Records, who recently launched a corporate marketing campaign that addresses this very issue. Todd Payne explains.
" 'We Are Not Ashamed of the Gospel' is a phrase that you'll see on just about everything Cathedral Records does. We're serious about this. Our relationship with Gold City will be a great example of our commitment to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as Traditional Southern Gospel music."
As part of the comprehensive marketing plan for the March project, Cathedral Records plans to utilize the television arm of its corporate parent, Global Evangelism Television, to further the reach of Gold City's music. As a part of John Hagee Ministries, GETV offers a potential viewershipthat covers a significant portionof the homesacross America.
"The ability to reach so many people at once is a tremendous opportunity for our genre of music," states Payne. "Our relationship with John Hagee will allow us to do things for our artists that before just weren't cost effective."
During the National Quartet Convention, Pastor Hagee committed television resources to further the cause of what he called "the best music in the world." According to Cathedral Records, the Gold City agreement will provide one of the first opportunities to take advantage of this resource.
Details regarding the release of the album, as well as television appearances by Gold City will be made available on the Cathedral Records website, www.cathedralrecords.com, in the coming weeks.
Signature Sound Quartet sings bass singer November 16, 2002
(Press Release) - A note from Signature Sound Quartet:
Each day I have continued to start my day with this prayer....."Lord, You lead and You guide. As of two weeks ago we did not have a bass singer.
All of us decided that if we had to start the year as a trio than we would except this as the Lord's leading.
We went into the studio as a "Trio" still looking for a bass singer but planning for the possibilities of not finding the right one before Jan 2003.
On Wednesday of last week, we were singing in the studio (The Border in Franklin, TN) and in walked Tim Duncan. We visited for awhile and then went out for lunch. Tim expressed that he and his wife had rethought their decision and wanted a second chance at the job.
I told Tim that he was the one we had our hearts set on from the beginning and since we had not found our man yet and since he had not found peace with his decision, that we would pray about it.
All of the guys (myself, Garry, Doug, Shane and David) and all our wives feel that the Lord has answered our prayers. He has led us to this place. So, we are happy to say Tim Duncan is our bass singer.
We are ready to move forward and are working real hard to make the Signature Sound Quartet something you would be proud to have in your home.
Eldridge Fox condition worsens November 7, 2002
The legendary Eldridge Fox was hospitalized back in October in an Asheville (NC) area hospital fighting pneumonia. Affectionally known as 'Foxy' the veteran performer was long-time baritone and manager of the Kingsmen Quartet.
Greg Fox, 'Foxy's' son wrote the following to the Singing News Magazines website:
© 2002 Singing News
To all the wonderful Southern Gospel fans and readers of Singing News Magazine:
As of today, November 6 2002, the man you all know as "FOXY" (Eldridge Fox) will be moved to the Mountain Area Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC. Dad's condition has been downgraded as his body is no longer responding to antibiotic treatments. His responsiveness has deteriorated and we know that his time of crossing is near.
There is no specific allotment of time that we can give you at this time. As a family, we've been told to spend every possible moment with him due to the grave nature he is in.
Our GREAT thanks go out to all of you that have come to see Dad and lifted his spirits - and more than anything, we thank you for your prayers. Please address any cards to his home address (below) and in lieu of flowers at this time, we ask you may make donations in his name to Mountain Area Hospice or to the Southern Gospel Music Association. Also, if you'd like to drop an email note, you may do so via my email - foxgregrobin@charter.net - or my sister's email - landtc@msncom .
Thank you again for your wonderful support. We want you all to know that we love you and "Foxy" loves you. Please continue to pray for comfort during this special time Greg
Donations:
Mountain Area Hospice Foundation
P.O.Box 25338
Asheville, N.C. 28813
Southern Gospel Music Association
PO Box 6729
Sevierville, TN 37864
Please make sure to make note that all donations will be tax deductible and must be made in the name of Eldridge Fox.
CARDS:
Eldridge Fox Family- "Foxy"
4 Asbury Place
Candler, NC 28715
Parker Jonathan leaves Carolina Boys Quartet November 1, 2002
 ((Press Release) - For 13 years I have stood on stages all across America and Canada and sung the gospel. I have never wanted to do anything else, and God has seen fit to allow me to live out my dream. However, the time has come to move on to a new chapter of my life.
Many don't know that my wife and I lost our first child earlier this year due to miscarriage. She and I both have been dealing with the emotional loss of this little one, and thru it all she has been a real trooper. She admits to having bouts of depression over this, which has made it increasingly difficult to leave home each week.
I know you will be asking, "what will you be doing?" I can honestly say, "I have no idea!" Ray Reese and the rest of the Carolina Boys Quartet have been fantastic to understand our decision. I encourage you to continue to support them in all their endeavors, as I know I will be.
Blessings On You!
Parker Jonathan
Naomi and The Segos announce new website plans November 1, 2002
(Press Release) - Naomi and The Segos are proud to annouce new plans for their website, www.naomiandthesegos.com. According to group member and spokesperson, Scott Spangler, "Our website has not been in operation since NQC. In the day and time of modern technology, we realize the necessity of having a quality website. Our former tenor singer, Aaron Crisler, did a magnificent job of maintaining our website, and we are appreciative of all his efforts. After Aaron left the group, we felt as though we wanted our website to take a different direction. We spoke with several web designers before making a decision. We are proud to announce that we have secured the services of John Lanier's company, WebWorx Designs. We were very impressed with John's website designing, and are proud to be associated with him".
S.G.M.A. Hall of Fame member Naomi Sego is also happy that John is doing her website. According to Naomi, "My group gave John his start singing full-time. I have always been proud of John's accomplishments, from being the original tenor singer with Tony Gore and Majesty to his successful solo career. His website work is going to be just as successful".
Plans are to have Naomi and The Segos back online within the next 30 days.
Naomi and The Segos are based in Centerville, Georgia and perform an average of 250 dates yearly throughout the United States and Canada. November of 2002 will start Naomi's 44th year of full-time ministry.
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